Sources told TMZ: "Glee is definitely not cancelled. If you look at the dollars and cents of the show and that it was very much an ensemble with new kids being added last year when some graduated. It’s clear that the show wasn’t about one character."

Lea is grieving with Cory's family (Image: FilmMagic)

In a statement to People, Glee actress Lea's spokesperson said: "Lea is deeply grateful for all the love and support she's received from family, friends and fans.

"Since Cory's passing, Lea has been grieving alongside his family and making appropriate arrangements with them.

"They are supporting each other as they endure this profound loss together. We continue to ask the media to respect the privacy of Lea and Cory's family."

Cory had been in the Canadian city of Vancouver where he was visiting his mother and the actor checked into the Fairmount Pacific Rim Hotel for the duration of his stay.

"Glass half full. All the good things that he’s done. There’s more things on that side to focus on.”

Describing Cory as his "hero", Richard said: "Cory would do anything for anyone. Give you the shirt off his back.”

"It’s like my hero died. He’s my hero because … he made me believe. He just told me no matter how long your tunnel is … just know that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. He was that light for me.”

The actor had battled addiction since he began smoking cannabis, aged 13. His parents divorced when he was seven and he grew up troubled, lacking a father figure.

The once promising student attended 16 different schools. Eventually he started stealing from friends and family to fund his growing addiction.

In interviews later he admitted skipping lessons to get drunk and smoke pot before quitting school altogether at the age of 16.

Three years later the actor, who played heart-throb Finn Hudson in Glee, had his first spell in rehab.

Speaking about his problems as a youth, Cory said he was lucky his addiction hadn’t killed him.

He explained: “I did anything and everything – as much as possible. I had a serious problem. I was out of control. I am lucky to be alive.”

Glee bosses have described Corey as “an exceptional talent and an even more exceptional person” following his death.